by Sally Rigby
‘The super wants you in her office in half an hour for a briefing with her and the chief super.’
‘Thanks, Frank.’ They headed out of the incident room and into the corridor. ‘That’s all I need, a meeting with Dickhead. Even more reason for the coffee.’
Chapter 26
Loaded up on caffeine, and prepared to face Douglas to discuss the investigation, Whitney made her way to the super’s office. To be honest, because he was keeping a low profile he hadn’t been in her face as much as she’d imagined he would be, but that didn’t mean she was going to let her guard down. She knew from experience that he could turn without any warning. She didn’t trust him one bit.
‘Come in,’ the super called out, after she’d knocked on the door.
‘Good afternoon, ma’am. Sir.’
Douglas gave a sharp nod in her direction. That was probably all she should expect.
‘Good afternoon, Whitney. Take a seat.’ The super gestured to one of the empty chairs at the table, and she took the one furthest from Douglas.
‘You wanted to see me, ma’am?’
‘The chief superintendent would like a full rundown on how the investigation is progressing. I haven’t yet had chance to update him with what you told me yesterday, so include that in your briefing.’
Tempting as it was to maintain eye contact with the super and explain everything to her, she reluctantly turned her head to look at Douglas.
‘Our enquiries have taken a different turn and the young man we had in custody has now been released. We—’
‘Are you sure it wasn’t him?’ Douglas interrupted.
No. That’s why they’d let him out. Did he really think she was that stupid?
She unclenched her fists, and let her shoulders relax. ‘Yes, sir. He has a cast-iron alibi from the woman who lives opposite him. He was seen arriving home at nine-seventeen, which means he is out of the equation.’
‘And he definitely couldn’t have committed the murders before he came home?’
‘We don’t believe so, sir. Not according to the pathologist findings.’
‘So, you wasted valuable time when you could’ve been investigating other avenues.’ He looked at the super and rolled his eyes.
She chose to ignore him. ‘The victims were all given midazolam, which is used in anaesthesia. The pathologist believes the husband was killed first and the wife last, other than that she couldn’t determine the order.’
‘What was her assessment of what happened?’
‘David was most likely injected first to disable him, being the strongest.’
‘How do they know that Gillian was the last?’
‘Because she had the least amount of the drug in her system, most likely because it was all the killer had left. She was also the only victim to have duct tape over her mouth.’
‘Do you know why?’
‘We believe it’s linked to the motive, which we have yet to ascertain.’
‘What are the team working on now?’
‘We’re investigating who would have had a grudge against the family or felt betrayed by them.’
‘Betrayed?’
‘Dr Cavendish believes that the meal left in front of the family was a representation of the Last Supper and indicates that the killer felt betrayed by them. You know, like Judas.’
‘I do know my Bible, Walker.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Have you identified any potential suspects?’
‘Not yet, but it’s quite likely linked to David. I mentioned to you that we suspected him of having an affair, but we’ve discovered it’s more than that. Not only was he married to Gillian, but he had another life with a woman and child living in Coventry. The child, a girl called Verity, is his.’
‘Oh …’
That had to be the first time she’d seen him speechless.
‘There’s more. During this time, he was also seeing two other women that we know of. There could be more.’
‘Are you sure? My wife could hardly believe that he was having an affair, but this is a lot more than that. Surely we’d have suspected.’
‘His work enabled him to lead a double life. Do you know of any other relationships he had in the past, sir?’
Douglas glanced away. Hmm, what wasn’t he telling her?
‘Many years ago, when he first married Gillian, I saw him out with another woman. They were in a village pub and were close to each other, if you know what I mean. It wasn’t long after Keira was born.’
She let out an exasperated sigh. ‘And you didn’t think to mention this to us, sir?’
He shot an angry look in her direction. ‘It was many years ago, and I deemed it not to be relevant, Walker. It was a judgement call.’ He paused. ‘Perhaps I was hasty in dismissing it.’
You think?
She glanced at the super, whose eyes were wide, and not in a good way.
‘Do you know the name of this woman?’
‘No. I’d never seen her before or since.’
‘Did you tell your wife?’
‘I kept it to myself. Didn’t want to rock the boat as they had a newborn baby.’
‘Can you describe her to me?’
‘She was about the same age as him, late twenties. Blonde hair, attractive.’
‘All the women he’s been with are like that. He certainly has a type.’
‘Apart from Gillian, who was short with dark hair,’ Douglas said.
‘Yes. And that’s interesting in itself, and Dr Cavendish would know if it’s relevant. What we do know is that he had a history of cheating on his wife from way back. I doubt we’ll be able to discover the full extent, though.’
‘Do you believe one of these latest women might have been involved? It’s more likely to be one or other of them, I’d have thought, than someone from his past,’ Douglas said.
‘It’s what we’re investigating. We’ve discovered some threatening texts on his phone from one of them. The woman is in Birmingham and works for the same firm David did. She’s being brought in for questioning tomorrow.’
‘Why not today?’
‘She’s already been interviewed and won’t be on alert because she gave us an alibi, which was verified.’
‘But you still think it’s her?’
‘She lives with her grandparents. She could’ve slipped out when they were in bed, or without them knowing. She’s no flight risk, and I’d rather make sure we have as much background on her as possible so we can prepare the most effective interview for when she arrives.’
‘Let’s hope you’re right. I don’t want to hear that she’s done a runner.’
‘You won’t, sir.’
‘I also don’t want this to be a wild goose chase, like the last person you had in custody. The media is constantly breathing down our necks, wanting to know where we are with the investigation and querying why we haven’t yet solved the case. This isn’t going to be knocked off the top news spot for a while yet. We don’t need bad publicity.’
‘With all due respect, sir, the media’s response is not my top priority.’
He scowled at her, and she wished she’d kept her mouth shut.
‘And that’s why you’ll never be more than a DCI,’ Douglas growled.
‘Thank you, Whitney. If there’s nothing further you can go,’ the super said.
‘Yes, ma’am.’ She left the office as quickly as she could without actually running.
She could swing for the arrogant bastard. She’d show him. They’d solve the case, and soon.
Chapter 27
‘Come on, Rob,’ Whitney said to her brother as they got out of the car at Cumberland Court, the care home where their mother lived. Even after all this time, she still couldn’t get used to having her older brother and mum in care. Her mum had dementia and Rob had a learning disability following a violet attack in his teens and he was unable to take care of himself. He was happy where he was, and the carers allowed him to be self-reliant, whenever possib
le.
She’d read about vulnerable people in care homes suffering and was grateful that both Rob and her mum were in excellent facilities.
They waited while Tiffany took Ava out of her car seat and then they headed into the large Edwardian building, towards the reception desk where Angela, a senior carer whom Whitney was particularly fond of, was stationed.
‘Let me see the baby,’ Angela said, hurrying around the desk and up to them.
‘This is Ava.’ Tiffany held out the baby.
‘She’s such a cutey and looks just like you. She has your shaped face.’
Whitney smiled to herself. Everyone who saw the baby had an opinion, but truth be told it was too early to say who Ava took after.
‘She’s my great niece,’ Rob said proudly, puffing out his chest.
‘And she’s very lucky to have you as an uncle.’
‘A great uncle,’ Rob said.
‘Sorry. Great Uncle.’ Angela smiled at him.
‘Where’s Mum?’ Whitney asked.
‘She’s in the day room, but she’s not having a good day today.’
A lump caught in Whitney’s throat. As time went on, there were more bad days than good.
‘Thanks, it’s good to be forewarned. Hopefully, seeing the baby might help. She hasn’t seen her for a couple of weeks.’
The day room was a comfortable area with easy chairs and a telly in the corner. The furniture was worn, but homely. Rob walked a few paces ahead of Whitney. He loved the visits, and Whitney wished she could bring him more often, but it really depended on her workload. Their mum was sitting in her usual chair on one side of the room, staring at one of the daily quiz shows on the television.’
‘Hello, Mum,’ Rob said as they approached.
Their mum stared blankly at them.
‘She’s not looking good,’ Tiffany said quietly, so only Whitney could hear.
‘I know. We’ll stay here a little while to see if she improves a bit.’
‘How are you doing, Mum?’ Rob asked, pulling over a chair and sitting beside her.
‘Who are you?’ she said, ignoring Rob and staring up at Tiffany.
Tears formed in Tiffany’s eyes. ‘It’s me, Granny. I’ve brought Ava, your great-granddaughter, to see you.’
‘I have a great-granddaughter?’ the old woman frowned.
‘Yes, say hello to Ava. She’s only four weeks old.’ Tiffany pulled over another chair and sat on the other side of her grandmother. She held out the baby so she could see.
Whitney sat opposite, so they formed a circle.
‘She’s gorgeous. It’s lovely to see you, Tiffany,’ Whitney’s mum said, suddenly coming back into normal consciousness. She grazed her fingers over the baby’s cheek.
Thank goodness. It was amazing how Ava could do that to her.
‘You, too, Granny.’ Tiffany rested her hand over her grandmother’s and gave it a squeeze.
‘Is the baby sleeping at night or does she give you trouble?’
‘She’s not too bad.’
‘Not like your mum then.’ She chuckled, nodding in Whitney’s direction.
Tiffany looked at Whitney. ‘Were you a difficult baby?’
‘I didn’t think so. Mum, was I?’
‘Oh, yes. Not like, Rob. He was perfect from day one.’ She smiled at her son. ‘I’ll let you into a little secret, Tiffany. If your mum had been my first child, then I wouldn’t have had a second. She was very demanding and would never sleep, whatever I tried. And as she got older, we had the questions. Non-stop questions. Her dad would call her Whytney.’
‘Mum, you didn’t tell me this,’ Tiffany said, grinning.
‘It’s the first I’ve heard of it.’
Was her mum getting confused? Whitney didn’t remember any of this.
‘We didn’t want to discourage you, but I can assure you at times it drove us crazy. But it was worth it. Look what you’ve done with your life. We were always so very proud of you, and now Tiffany.’
‘Thanks, Mum,’ Whitney said, warmth flooding through her.
‘I didn’t drive you crazy, did I, Mum? I was good, wasn’t I?’ Rob said.
‘Always. You were my precious boy. Still are.’
‘I knew it,’ Rob said, beaming with pride at his mum and then Whitney.
‘Why are you here?’ Her mum stared, her eyes unfocused.
Was she drifting again?
‘So, you could see baby Ava, Mum. Remember? Are you feeling okay?’
‘I’ve been watching the telly.’
‘What programme?’
‘I’m not sure because that woman over there keeps turning it over.’ She pointed to the grey-haired woman sitting a few feet away. ‘I start watching and then suddenly there’s something else on.’
‘Why don’t you tell one of the carers and ask them to sort it out for you?’
‘I can’t.’ Her mum picked up the edge of her cardigan and fiddled with one of the buttons. ‘Where’s Rob? Is Rob coming? I want to see him.’
‘I’m here, Mum,’ Rob said.
‘You’re not my Rob. You’re a grown man. My boy’s only seventeen. What have you done with him?’
Seventeen was the age when Rob was attacked. It had changed all their lives forever. Was that why her mum was stuck there?
She stared at her brother. His face was screwed up and there were tears in his eyes.
‘Rob’s here, Mum. We all are,’ Whitney said.
‘Is it time for breakfast?’
‘You’ve only just had your dinner. Don’t you remember?’
‘Is it time for bed?’
Rob jumped up and ran off. ‘Tiffany, stay here with Granny while I speak to Rob, he’s upset.’ Whitney hurried after him.
‘Why is she like this?’ Rob asked when she’d caught up with him beside the French doors which led out into the garden.
‘Let’s go outside for a walk and we’ll talk about it,’ she suggested.
‘I want my mum back.’
‘I know you do, sweetheart, but this is how she’s going to be from now on. Do you remember I explained to you about this illness? Sometimes Mum is like she’s always been and sometimes she isn’t, and she forgets things.’ She drew him into a tight hug, which wasn’t easy as he was so much taller than she was.
‘Why didn’t she know I was there?’ He pulled from her grasp, wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, and gave a loud sniff.
‘It’s part of her being ill. She might recognise you when we go back in. Her memory comes and goes.’
‘Why can’t the doctors give her some medicine to make her better?’
‘There isn’t anything. But the scientists are working hard to find a cure. And one day they might. For now, we must be strong and not let Mum see how much it upsets us because it’s not her fault. We’ll be there for her whenever she needs us. Can you do that? Can you be strong and not tell her how we feel?’
‘Yes,’ he said emphatically, giving a sharp nod of his head. ‘I know how to be strong because I’ve done it before. And I didn’t tell anyone. I promise.’ He glanced from side to side, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
‘What haven’t you told?’ Whitney asked, intrigued by what it was.
‘I can’t, I was told not to.’
‘You can tell me when it happened, that’s not the same, is it?’
‘It was when we were all living at home. Mum, Dad, you and me.’
Ah. Most likely their dad had broken something and had told Rob not to say anything. How come he’d remembered it for such a long time?
‘That’s ages ago. You can tell me now. I’m sure it won’t matter.’
‘No, I can’t. I had to promise to never tell anyone, ever. Or you, Mum and Dad would be hurt really bad.’
Whitney frowned. What the hell had happened?
‘Is this something to do with when you were attacked all those years ago? Do you remember it happening?’ she asked, taking a punt that it could be something to do with i
t.
‘I’m not allowed to say.’ He clamped his lips together, but she could tell by the worried look in his eyes that it was.
She remembered vividly when the police came to the door to tell them what had happened to her brother. He’d been out with friends and had been viciously assaulted. The police were never able to track down who’d done it. She’d been convinced they hadn’t looked hard enough, and that’s what prompted her to join the force as soon as she was old enough.
She stepped in front of him and stared directly into his eyes. ‘Rob, do you remember being attacked?’
‘I don’t know.’ He looked away.
‘Do you remember who did it?’
‘Stop,’ he said, slamming both hands over his ears. ‘Stop.’
‘It’s okay, Rob,’ Whitney said, gently pulling his arms down to by his side. ‘We won’t talk about this anymore.’
‘Because we don’t want anyone to be hurt,’ he said.
‘That’s right. Let’s go back inside to see how Mum and Tiffany are.’
‘And baby Ava.’
Chapter 28
The television’s blaring and on the screen there’s a picture of them. It’s still front-page news, mainly because they’re getting nowhere in their hunt for the killer.
Well, I could’ve told them that. They’ll never find me. Never make the connection. They might as well give up and focus on something else. Lots of murders don’t get solved, and these are going to be some of them.
I pick up my half-drunk bottle of beer and take a swallow while staring at the photo of them up there.
Did I do the right thing?
Yeah. I did. I don’t have any regrets.
What else could I do?
It’s pointless even going down this path. They put themselves in that situation, end of story. And now there’s nothing anyone can do to change it.
Now that I’ve had time to reflect. If I had my time again, would I have done it differently?
Should I have tried harder to see if we could all be friends? That’s all I ever wanted. To feel part of the family. To feel like I belonged. Why was that so hard?
And why should it have been down to me to make the effort to put things right when it wasn’t my fault?
